Abaqus Submodeling: Focus Detail Without the Overhead

Detailed Abaqus mesh of a shaft assembly using efficient substructures.

Complex simulations don’t always require detailed analysis across the entire structure. In many engineering workflows, only a specific region needs fine resolution, while the rest of the model can remain simplified. Abaqus offers tools to help you balance accuracy and performance by focusing computational effort where it truly matters.

Benefit 3: Efficient Substructures 

Large finite element models often demand significant computational resources, even if only a small region requires detailed insight. Abaqus offers efficient substructure and submodeling capabilities to help you reduce simulation cost while maintaining accuracy where it matters. 

This benefit highlights how Abaqus enables scalable, flexible workflows for large and localized simulations. 

Substructures: Reduce System Size Without Losing Fidelity

For large assemblies or repetitive geometries, you can use conventional substructures such as superelements to reduce the number of active degrees of freedom. Internal DOFs within selected element groups are condensed, which minimizes system size and simulation time without compromising global behavior. 

This technique is particularly useful when: 

• A component’s detailed response is not required 

• You need to run multiple load cases efficiently 

• Geometry is repeated in the model (e.g., blades, supports, bolted joints) 

Submodeling: Refine Locally Without Re-Running the Global Model

When local stress or deformation needs to be evaluated more accurately, submodeling allows you to zoom in on a region of interest. The process is straightforward: 

1. Run a global analysis with a coarser mesh. 

2. Define a submodel in the area of interest, using a finer mesh or different element type. 

3. Abaqus automatically extracts and maps boundary conditions from the global model to the submodel. 

This approach is: 

• Mesh-independent – submodel and global meshes don’t need to match. 

• Solver-efficient – you don’t need to re-run the global model after mesh changes. 

• Quick to implement – the submodel can be defined and run in minutes. 

Shell-to-Solid Submodeling for Detailed Local Behavior

You can switch between modeling spaces by combining a shell-based global model with a solid-based submodel. For example, use shell elements to represent a thin-walled structure globally, and analyze a bolted or welded connection in 3D solid detail using the submodel. 

This hybrid workflow allows for high-resolution insights into local stress or failure risk without making the full model overly dense or computationally expensive. 

Applicable to Both Linear and Nonlinear Analyses

The submodeling capability works in both linear and nonlinear scenarios. Whether you're dealing with elastic deformation, plasticity, contact, or large strain behaviors, you can apply the same approach to isolate and refine the most critical regions of your model. 

Abaqus Nonlinear Simulation: 8 Key Benefits

Benefit 1: Nonlinear Performance 

Benefit 2: Contact Modeling 

Benefit 3: Efficient Substructures 

Benefit 4: Multiphysics 

Benefit 5: Large Deformation 

Benefit 6: Fracture and Failure 

Benefit 7: Development and Support 

Benefit 8: Flexible Pricing

Need Help with Submodeling or Substructures?

Efficient simulation is about making smart modeling choices. If you’re looking to apply submodeling or substructures in your workflow, our team is here to help. Reach out through our contact form or email us at sales@4realsim.com. We’ll guide you in optimizing your Abaqus simulations for performance and precision.